I have been working as a therapist since 2002 and feel lucky to do what I love every day. While I use a variety of techniques and tailor therapy to each client, I work from a theory called Relational Cultural therapy. This theory looks at people in context and believes we grow in, toward and through connections with others. It also places importance on the cultural context all of us grow and live within and how our culture(s) impact our sense of self and well-being. What this means for you in therapy with me is that I will look beyond your “presenting problem” and symptoms to your relationships with loved ones and family and the greater context of your world and how that impacts your functioning and well-being. This tends to be a de-pathologizing approach that sees the whole person over a list of symptoms.
I also use EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) with many clients to work through trauma, get unstuck or change deep-seated unhealthy beliefs about themselves. I completed EMDR Basic Training in 2014 and Certification in 2016. I am also an EMDRIA Approved Consultant. For more information about EMDR, please visit EMDRIA.org.
My areas of specific expertise are psychological trauma, LGBTQ issues, issues specific to women across the lifespan, men in therapy and maintaining recovery. However, I am happy to work with a variety of concerns and will be frank with you if I am not skilled or competent with your presenting issue or concern.